EAST RUTHERFORD - New York Giants defensive back Michael Thomas really doesn't know any other way.

He's spent his entire NFL career fighting for a roster spot, scratching and clawing for a job with nothing promised to him other than opportunity.

"To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what I'd do if I wasn't in a competition," Thomas told The Record and NorthJersey.com on Wednesday. "I've spent my entire career this way, so I'm not sure I'd be comfortable or if it would feel right if I wasn't fighting to earn my spot."

It's been that way from the start.

Thomas went undrafted out of Stanford five years ago, but found a home when the coach who recruited him there out of high school, Jim Harbaugh, gave him a shot.

Harbaugh brought Thomas to San Francisco, where he earned a spot on the practice squad, a spot in which he stayed as a rookie and well into his second professional season. Three games remained in the 2013 regular season when the Miami Dolphins, dealing with a bunch of injuries in the secondary, signed Thomas to their active roster.

Michael Thomas of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a game-clinching interception in the end zone against the New England Patriots. Thomas picked off Tom Brady with 2 seconds remaining.(Photo: Getty Images)

He was going to be up on game day against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, and Giants defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo - then in the same role with the Dolphins - remembers telling Thomas that he likely was not going to play, but the challenge was to prepare as if he would.

Of course, everything changed with Brady and the Patriots driving in the closing moments, and Thomas was sent out there to play in the slot.

He had never practiced with the Dolphins' defense, but there he was, with the game on the line and a chance to make something happen.

And Thomas did, making the most of those moments by intercepting Brady in the end zone.

"That's one I'll be able to tell the grandkids," Thomas said with a smile.

Thomas signed a two-year contract worth $4 million to join the Giants, and he's immediately garnered respect from teammates for his presence.

He has his BA in sociology from Stanford and his MBA from the University of Miami; worked as an intern at the U.S. Capitol in the office of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee; and donated his time and effort to such causes as Big Brothers Big Sisters as part of the Dreambuilders Foundation, including grants to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

On the field, Thomas is a special teams ace. He is tied for the most special teams tackles in the league over the last four seasons, garnering recognition as the 2017 Pro Football Focus Special Teams Player of the Year.

Within defensive coordinator James Bettcher's new multiple 3-4 system, Thomas' versatility will be an asset.

"I love this defense. It has a lot of moving parts, and I can move around a little bit and fill whatever role they need," Thomas said. "Safety, nickel, slot - doesn’t matter. I am ready to play, contribute and help this team win."

The Giants have used veterans in the secondary in multiple roles in the past.

Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters were key pieces on the Giants' Super Bowl XLII championship team in 2007, while Deon Grant played a similar role for the Super Bowl XLVI champs. Thomas is competing with Darian Thompson, Andrew Adams and Curtis Riley for the starting safety spot next to Landon Collins. He's also in the mix to fill the hole at slot corner vacated by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's release back in March.

Donte Deayon, veteran William Gay and undrafted rookie Grant Haley are among those jostling for spots on the depth chart with Thomas, 29.

"He is a multiple position guy," Anarumo said of Thomas, "so I want him to get the safety stuff down here and then knowing that he can move around and maybe do some other things in a pinch, that’s been one of his trademarks. ... he’s played at a high level and done it against the best."

Added Thomas with a smile: "I feel like I'm in my prime right now, and I'm ready to earn my spot."

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New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13)and quarterback Eli Manning (10) walk off the field together after NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and offensive coordinator Mike Shula, right, on the field during NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, left, hands the ball off to runningback Saquon Barkley, right, during NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants quarterback Davis Webb (5) hands the ball off to runningback Jalen Simmons during NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) completes a catch with pressure from New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple (24) during NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and New wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) walk off the field together after NFL training camp in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com